§ 6. Mr. Bellengerasked the Prime Minister whether any conversations took place between British Ministers and French representatives during the visit of the French President in regard to the inauguration of compulsory National Service in Great Britain?
§ The Prime MinisterThis question was discussed, but I cannot divulge what passed in the course of these conversations.
§ Mr. BellengerHas not the right hon. Gentleman seen the widely quoted statement attributing to him the assurance that some form of compulsory service would be introduced into this country at an early date, and is he in a position to give a categorical denial to this statement?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is right to ask me to state what passed in a private conversation. I would ask hon. Members not to pay attention to entirely unauthorised statements.
§ Mr. SorensenIs that entirely in accord with the reference which the Prime Minister made yesterday to a speech at Birmingham, which was also of a semi-private nature?
§ Mr. Gordon MacdonaldDid the Prime Minister take the initiative in these discussions with the French Ministers regarding compulsory service?
§ The Prime MinisterI did not say that the French Ministers had asked for such discussions. All I said was that I could not divulge what took place.
§ Mr. George GriffithsWill the Prime Minister divulge this next Monday?